A 38-year-old dive instructor has been arrested after allegedly attacking a foreign tourist during an argument that began over an oxygen tank mishap in Semporna, Sabah.
Oxygen tank accident led to dispute
The incident began on Tuesday (July 22), during a boat ride to Pulau Timba-Timba for a scuba diving session.
During the journey, the tourist’s oxygen tank accidentally fell and landed on the instructor’s foot, which allegedly hurt the instructor, as reported by The Star.
The next day, the instructor, after receiving treatment at Tawau Hospital, returned to the tour company to confront the tourist and demand compensation.
Assault happened during confrontation
In a video of the argument that quickly went viral online, the instructor allegedly assaulted the tourist and threatened further harm to the tourist.
The instructor is seen slapping the male tourist across the face while arguing with him, while a foreign woman believed to be accompanying the male tourist stood beside him.
“Does it have anything to do with us?”
During the argument, the trio were heard speaking in Mandarin, where after being slapped, the tourist asked off-camera, “Have you called the police?”
The woman then repeatedly asked the instructor, “Does it have anything to do with us?”
She was presumably referring to the instructor’s demand for compensation over the oxygen tank incident.
He also had to be physically restrained numerous times to prevent the fight from escalating.
Instructor in police custody
Semporna police arrested the instructor at 11.30 pm on Thursday (July 24), where he will be remanded until Monday (July 28) for further investigation.
According to The Star, the case is being investigated under Section 323 and Section 506 of the Penal Code for causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
District Police Chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah urged the public not to speculate and to allow the investigation to proceed fairly.
He also reminded tourism operators to prioritise safety and handle disputes professionally.
Watch the video here:
@kisahditawau Begini kha caranya orang Semporna layan pelancong. Pihak berkuasa mohon ambil tindakan dengan segera. Sumber Facebook. Kokee Lau. Mohon sebarkan video ini. #KISAHDITAWAU ♬ bunyi asal – KISAH DI TAWAU
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